The craft beer scene in the greater Bangor region is as robust as ever these days. Over a dozen breweries are plying their trades in the vicinity, bringing delicious beer to the masses. Plenty of thirsts are being quenched as these businesses – some just a few years old, others with decades-long histories behind them – offer up a wide variety of tasty brews.

Most dedicated craft beer fans know what it takes to make beer. Barley, hops, water and yeast, mix it all together and voila, beer! Well, aside from the obvious point - that there is much more to it than that – the thing a lot of people don't realize is that barley isn't the be-all, end-all of brewing grains. Sure, Barley is the most commonly used grain when it comes to making beer, but other grains can bring lots of complex and interesting flavors to your beer.

The most gluttonous holiday of the year is swiftly approaching, and while most of the focus is usually on the side dishes and main courses, I want to talk a bit about the beverage options at the Thanksgiving table.

Walking into any beer store these days will make one thing abundantly clear - cans are back! While bottles have ruled the realm of craft beer for most of its recent resurgence, more and more breweries are turning to the aluminum can to store their wares.